Video Vault: 'The Devil' a gripping story of troubled musician

You’ve probably never heard of Daniel Johnston, and it’s even less likely you’ve heard his music. But you really should check out this movie about his strange life and even stranger career.

Will Pfeifer

You’ve probably never heard of Daniel Johnston, and it’s even less likely you’ve heard his music. But you really should check out this movie about his strange life and even stranger career.

Cobbled together from interviews, home movies and old tape recordings, “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” takes a clear-eyed but compassionate look at this troubled young man, the minor fame he stumbled onto, and the way he responded to the strange changes in his life.

Blessed with a genuine ear for pop music and cursed with serious mental problems, Johnston has experienced — to put it mildly — highs and lows in life. On the one hand, Johnston had one of his sketches on a shirt worn by Kurt Cobain. On the other, Johnston almost killed himself and his father when he tried to crash the plane they were in.

“Devil and Daniel Johnston” is not always pleasant to watch, but it is always compelling. And be sure to watch the DVD’s bonus clip where Daniel meets the unrequited love of his life decades after they last saw each other in college. It’s a touching moment.

Will Pfeifer writes about older DVDs on Sundays and new ones on Tuesdays. Contact him at 815-987-1244 or wpfeifer@rrstar.com.

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